Thieves smashed car windows as they targeted visitors to a football academy.
Cash, smart phones and private documents were stolen from vehicles parked at Langston Road Football Academy in Loughton, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday.
Police estimate the total value of the goods was £3,000.
Investigating officer PC Jennie Morris said: “None of the victims witnessed the incident nor did they hear the sound of smashed windows.
“This is probably because they were attending the venue for sports training and would have likely thought that due to the non-residential road location, thefts were not likely.”
Anyone with any information, or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area at that time, is asked to call 101.
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